Mesa/Boogie M-Pulse 600

Hybrid "tube" solid state bass amplifier. Two channels, one active one passive, effects loop, XLR out, separate "solo" mix with footswitch. I gig with this amp almost weely. 600 Watts of pure muscle, excellent build and lots of tonal and volume head room.

I'm currently using this amp with my main playing bass which is an "Anderson" 5-string. I mostly play funk, soul and R&B. This amp fits my playing style like a glove. I can get that butter soft Fender Jazz vibe or the Alembic sparkle with just some easy turns of some knobs. The "solo" panel allows you to preset your soloing tones and sounds and activate them with a footswitch. Effects loop out the back also allows for much "custom sculpting" for your particular sound. I've used this amp everywhere!!! From outdoor gigs on large stages to postage stamp size rooms. No problems, no worries. Amp is quiet as a mosuse pissin on cotton.

Only let me down once, but it was my fault. I left it on the ground behind the van and ran over it. All we had to do was open her up and pop the tubes back in. Now that's TOUGH!!! Never, ever let me down.

Never had any problems but the Mesa Boogie guys are first rate. Always asking how they could make it better and giving me tips, hints and free swag. Good company.

Before this I was running an SWR rig. This has it beat, hands down. I can't recommend a bass amp any higher than this one and do it with a clear concious. If lost or stolen I'd replace with same or next one up. Wish it had back lit front but hey, that's small potatos.

Da Worfster

I just bought this amp from Guitar Center, they are no longer carrying Mesa/Boogie bass amplifiers, so it was on close out. Many of you may already know this - but this is the ONLY way you can get new Boogie amps at a "sale" price. Mesa does not allow retailers to sell them under MSRP otherwise. So, I feel pretty good about the price I paid... at MSRP, I think Mesa/Boogie is overpriced even as good as it is.

This amp is the newest incarnation of the M-Pulse 600 (mine rolled off the assembly line early 2007)... Now this is important, please pay attention to this part if you are here reading reviews because you are thinking of purchasing this amp.... Since sometime in 2006, the M-Pulse 600 has shipped with Speakon connectors and a five button footswitch that includes a tuner/mute switch. These are important features that you will not get if you purchase an older model M-Pulse.

This thing is plush with great features - there's not much it doesn't do. I love the tube front end (preamp), and the on-board compressor (works very well), the eq is very nice (and foot switchable), it's not "switchable" per se, in that you done have two complete sections of the amp. However the fact that you can use the footswitch to toggle the eq, "solo" volume, compresion, and effects loop - it's kind of like having a multi-channel amp. Pretty sweet!

The sound that comes out of this thing is rediculous (in a good way)! It's loud as hell, fat, and warm. Someone on this page reported that their M-Pulse sounded "farty" .... I don't even know how you could dial that sound up, but its certainly not true. This amp has amazing sound. As far as playing style goes, I am the jack of all trades (master of none?), I play with a pick, my fingers, and even slap some. Regardless of how I play, this amp sounds great. I was working on part of a song recently in which I slap the E in a dead note effect (muted thud?), anyways... it sounded like a kick drum on steroids - loud as all get out, thick, punchy and with the compression on, almost no fret noise... SWEET!!

The versitility of this amp is fantastic. I play a Stingray, and the combination of the eq footswitch button and my onboard preamp, I can dial up a variety of sounds without going to the amp. When the eq is switched off, the amp is off course to flat. If I want a dark or thick kind of sound I switch it off and dial the treble and mid way back on my guitar. I can get quite bright from here just using my guitars controlls. If you REALLY want to stick out from the mix, keep your eq set bright. When you need to be heard toggle it on, and if you REALLY need to be heard hit your "solo" volume switch as well. Are you starting to get the picture that I think this amp is the sssshhh...?

Don't know. However, it is built like a brick house, and weighs a ton. Mine came with the optional tolex head case so it's even beefier! I can't imagine it breaking easily. I've also read that the most current model of the M-Pulse has an improved power section... not that Mesa needed to improve it but... Well there it is, I don't really know much other than it has worked perfectly evertime I have turned it on.

I have already called them (verifying the date and registering the warranty)... They were waaay cool, and totally helpful. I hope I don't have to find out if they are as cool if I need a repair, but I'm confident they would be.

I think the sound of this amp is the best. Though I have only been playing for about six years, I have been a gear freak the entire time. Here's one piece of information I wanted anyone reading this review to know - At the moment this amp is being pumped into a full stack of Peavey TX cabinets (410, and 115). Of course we all know that these cabs are average at best... AND THIS AMP STILL SOUNDS LIKE A FREAKIN MONSTER!!!

If this amp were lost or stolen, I would sell a kidney if I had to in order to get another one!

If you can get this amp for under $1000, BUY IT... BUY IT... BUY IT!!!!!! If you have to pay full price, it's still a killer amp, but I would be starting to think about the Mesa Titan V12 at that point....

I bought the M-Pulse Venture 600 in 2006 - and I think it's a 2004 or 2005. I have the 2x10 (also comes in 2x12). I think it's basically the M-Pulse 600 wrapped into a combo. Features I care to note: tube preamp, MOSFET amp, on-board compressor, parametric eq, regular eq, effect loop, XLR and 1/4 direct out. Everything on this amp is pretty configurable while maintaining a simplistic and unintimidating style. Enough power to run a hotel ball room and even the occasional outdoor show, without needing help from the house. It also has a nice foot pedal that allows you to switch the effect loop, compressor, eq, etc. in and out. It's heavy as heck but the big casters make it very nice to roll. I can get it into the back seat of my VW Golf, myself if I have to. The combo makes it very convenient and small in size.

I've had a few other amps, but when I got this one, everyone noticed a big difference - on and off stage- a wonderful full & warm sound. I have several different types of basses, but my main is a OLP music man 4 string. I used to have a bet with my friends that my bass guitar wouldn't sound any better through tubes then it would through pure MOSFETs. I told them if I found a tube based (pre)amp that did this, I would buy it. And so I ended up with this one. This thing sounds heavenly, BUT you should keep your signal into it fairly "naked" (no effects). People who are hooked fancy effect units - this may not be the amp for you. This amp colors the sound a lot, and if you shape your sound with modeling or special preamping, you are wasting your money. It will sound like any other amp. At 600 watts, this cab packs a massive punch for it's size. If you understand how to properly use a tube preamp, this cab sounds fine at all volumes. The compressor is also really good. The sound from this amp makes me want to play my bass all the time.

Everything about this amp is solid as a rock. It feels solid, and I feel it's combo construction keeps it compact and less vulnerable during heavy road use. The casters are nice and big, and seem to take the sidewalks, door thresholds, etc. pretty well. The cover it came with is professional looking, easy to use, and durable. Haven't needed any repairs yet, but I expect I'll have some tubes to replace eventually. I use it without a backup, but I am notoriously risky. Also, I've only had it a year, and it's not that old.

Haven't dealt with any.

I use it to play rock, jazz standards, funk, disco, etc. in a cover band. I've been playing for 9-10 years. I also own and/or have played the following: Hartke VX410 w/ Hartke 3000 head, Ampeg SVT 4x10 and a Peavey 2x15 w/ Peavey 800 watt head, and this amp blows all those away, in every way, IMO. The most important thing I can say here is: beware when reading reviews that trash this amp's sound - if you don't run your input signal pretty clean, or you don't know how to set the input gain properly, the cab can sound flat and lifeless or distorted and farty. Due to the expensive price tag, I can't give it a great value rating... But if you're serious about good sound, it is worth it... if you have to, sell everything you own to get this amp... Besides maybe your bass guitar.

for accurate features, go to mesaboogie.com

This amp is pretty damn loud. You can litteralty shake things off the wall. But overall, I don't really care for it. The amp only puts out one sound: a kind of farty one, unless you turn the mids way down, then the "pretty damn loud" comment is irrelevent. I imagine there is a great sound in there somewhere, Mesa is known for exeptional products, but the semi-parametric eq makes is very difficult to find. Not the amp for me, but for you, you never know. Justin Chancellor of Tool used one on Lateralus, and loved his sound.

Havent really used it that much. Never took it on gigs, or jammed with anybody. But the amp is solid and well built. I know for a fact that it built well because it is hand made in the USA, and they use quality componates, so hypotheticly I'll give it an 8.

never had to deal with them with this amp, but every time I called them with questions before the purchase, they were great.

The thing about it is, I kind of rushed into buying this amp. I mean I didnt really play on all I could find once I had the money in my pocket. Had I done that, I might not be writing this review. I bought mostly because it was a boogie. I have heard people talk great about this amp, like I said J.C. used one with great results. But the amp is not for me. If you are looking to buy one, heed my advice and really play it in the store, then go play another right after. It is a good amp, but not for every one. There are alot out there, find the one that speaks to you, the one that gives you the sound in your head.

I bought my m-pulse 600 brand new from a dealer/w a road ready 6x10.
Its a 2006 model.
When I started shopping for a new bass amp I tried them all.
I kept going back to the m-pulse 600. The tone was incredible.

I feel this amp can be played with any genre of music.
I play in a original/cover rock band (some funk..yeah!).
I am also called to fill in sometimes with a classic rock/country, and a jazz band.
The first gig I played was filling in, and those guys wanted to hire me fulltime. They had never heard a bass sound so sweet.
I had a woman come tell me that the sound of the bass made her moist!...LOL

ok, ok down to biz...
It has 2 channels. Normal, and a solo channel.
Of course most of you that know about this amp knows about the pedal that it comes with and you can switch to the solo channel, mute for a tuner, loop in effects, turn on and off the eq, and compressor.
I feel that there is nothin else this amp could possibly need.
Tube warmth pre gain, eq'ing, semi parametric eq's, compressor.
Balanced out to go to a mixer for live or recording.
I use the pedal mainly for tuning,and soloing. I use no effects, so that is useless to me.
At 600 watts it is plenty of power for anywhere.

I am using several basses.
My favorite, and primary bass, believe it or not is a
Ibanez 6 string sr 506.
The bartolinis have me sold hands down.

Next in line is a 6 sting jb player,I love the lows.
5 string anniv model Music man. Awesome growl.
For 4 string I use a ibanez srx, a real rocker.
And last but not least a Fender active jazz, no need to explain what I use that for...

This amp is so clean, I have recieved more compliments than ever before.

I hope I can depend on it because at this time I really don't know.
I always bring a backup!

I have been playing bass for 35 years.
I have more P.A. than yer momma has arse.
If it were ever stolen I would replace it with the same amp.

Like I said in the opening I tried every amp. The mesa kicked their arse.

Love my mesa! It rocks!
Its is rather expensive.
with a 6x10 road ready cabinet...

Mine is a 2005 model. Has Bass,mid,treble control on the preamp, a 5 band parametric eq. Compressor and a solo volume, effects loop, tuner out and 600 watts into 4 ohms. XlR out for recording or going into a PA.

I play a Rickenbacker 4003 bass. My cabs are a Bag End S-15d and a Mesa Boogie 2X10. This amp is fantastic. It brings out the best of the Ric. The mids and highs come through with bell like clarity. The lows are warm and articulate. The 5 band eq gets you just about any sound you like. Very quiet. The four button footswitch it fantasic. You can kick in and out the solo volume, switch on and off the eq, the compressor, and the effects loop.

Reliabilty has been great. Comes with a 5 year warranty.

Have had to call customer support with a question on my sons Mesa boogie Studio 22 and they were very helpful.

I've been playing for about 6 years. I've had a hartke 3500, Vintage mpeg V4-B, Gallien Krueger Backline 600, and an Ampeg B2-RE. This amp blows them all away. It has tube sound and warmth like the V4-B but in a much more powerful and lightweight and reliable package. It just flat out brings out the best in you guitar and cabs.

I belive my amp is about a 2004 model. I bought it used but it was basically brand new. The thing is VERY versitile. I do tons of slapping which the amp is perfect for but it also gets super warm and thick. I bought the 4-button foot switch which give me control over the built-in Parametric EQ, the compressor, the effects loop, and a separate "SOLO" channel that I use if I need a boost. I don't use the effects loop but I glad I have it. Its got tons of power and I use it for gigging and practice.

I mainly use a custom Warmoth Jazz bass with active EMG-J pickups, but I also have a Warmoth P-bass with an active EMG. Both sound amazing through this amp. It is quiet, and you can basically get any sound you want. I'm in the process of buying an Electric Upright Bass and am looking forward to seeing how it sounds through the Mesa. Turn the gain up and you get a killer overdriven tone. Real tube tone, not buzzy crap like in other amps.

I gig with no backup. This thing is hand built and the factory is a half hour drive from my house, no worries at all, impecable workmanship.

The guys at Mesa are killer! I've seen people complain that they're slow to respond but everytime I call them they always return my call within 24 hours. Also a big selling point for me was the fact that I can drive to the factory.

I've been playing for about 2 years(but I play a lot), and I upgraded to the Mesa from an SWR 4004(also a killer amp, can't get better for the money). If the Mesa were stolen I'd have to get another. This thing beats the crap out of anything else in the wattage or price range. I tried Ampeg, Eden, SWR, GK, nothing compared. the thing that gets me is the clarity of the sound. You can sound like any of the other companies that I mentioned, but have it all in one amp! New they are expensive, you can get a much higher watt Ampeg for about the same money, but I just can't stand behind the tone on an Ampeg. I know it sounds nuts but I tried them and I was not that impressed. Try a Mesa, their guitar stuff is kind of Mono-tone but for bass there's nothing better.

I bought my Mpulse 600 used, in new condition, from the excellent people at Bass Northwest. I had been playing a pre-Fender SWR sm900, (purchased from them, as well) but wanted more punch and depth. I got that and some grit! The amp is 600 watts at 4 ohms, a tube hybrid, and with something like 2400 watts peak!! It is quite loud and can run like that the whole night without getting soft or brittle-sounding.

I play a Paul Reed Smith EB 4, a pre-Fender Kubicki Ex-Factor 4, and a Musicman Stingray 5(from Bass Central-another great shop!) This amp is great for all styles, and all of my basses. It is quiet, articulate, and warm. The eq works well and is quite flexible. Noise, if any, comes at extreme settings. It sounds the same every time-no weird tone changes or gremlins. Easy on the compressor-it works, too. The solo feature is great for a mute or a boost for solos, and all controls come on a bulletproof footswitch with different-colored leds. Sweet.

Anyone who knows guitar electronics knows Mesa stuff is built for the military!! Not one breakdown, the tubes still sound clean and clear, with no microphonics, and the amp is in an SKB case without shockmounting. My sm 900 is my backup, and I do not bring it. I don't anticipate the necessity.

I had a shorting midi cable for the footswitch, so I called Mesa and even though I am not the original purchaser, they sent me a new cable in two days-free. They seem to really care about their customers and their reputation, although I have read that their replacement tubes are way overpriced. That is the only problem I've had.

I've played since 1982, I have owned or played just about everything out there, and the Mpulse 600 stomps all of it, and at a very reasonable price. I ordered a new Eden wt800 which blew up, literally, in the first minute. I had an Ampeg SVT4 Pro, which was unreliable, and the sm900 sounds weak, in comparison. My only gripe is the lack of Speakon connectors, which in my view are a must-have item. I am considering a Powerhouse 1000 cab to go with the amp. Synergy, you know! If it were to be stolen or damaged, I would purchase another one immediately. By the way, it costs about $1000 less than the sm900, which some say has been "economized" by the Fender folks, as is customary when a conglomerate takes over small quality-oriented companies. Are ya listenin', Eden?

My mesa is probably a year or so old. I bought it used and upgraded from an SWR workingman's 4004. The M-pulse was exactly what I was looking for. This amp has a parametric EQ, a built in compressor, an effects loop, and a special "SOLO" feature that acts as a volume boost or cut. All these functions are foothswitchable! Fantastic!

I play a cross between Claypool style slap and smoother stuff like Paul Jackson's tone off Headhunter's(Herbie Hancock) but with a more rocking style. I run the Mesa through an SWR HENRY THE 8x8, slap city brother. I'm telling you, this thing is deadly. I have one bass, a Warmoth built Jazz bass with EMG active J-pickup's and a badass 2 bridge. It is a tiny bit noisy if you crank the eq, but the tone you get makes up for it, and tons of variety. It goes from super clean, to a nice Geddy Lee sound when cranked up a little. Not insain amounts of overdrive but I didn't need it.

hese are hand made in Petaluma, CA. I don't think you can beat the quality for the money if at all. Puts Ampeg to shame. I looked at other amps in the same power range (400-800 watts), nothing came close. I've only had it a few months but I haven't had a single problem with it.

The company is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

I've been playing guitar for over ten years and switched to bass 2 years ago because I was sick of always getting flaky bassists. If the mesa was stolen, I'd swollow the person responsible, chew the bastard up and feed my vomit to a pair of seals, then I'd either take my amp back or sit around until I found another one used. I love this amp, but I just couldn't ever get $1300.00 to buy a new one. I compared this thing to the Eden WT-800, the Ampeg svt3pro and the SWR SM 500. It ripped the ass out of all 3, especially the ampeg.

lets put it this way i was a dedicated ampeg fan for about 6 years until i heard this amp, it has alot of eq ing/compressor, but honestly i put everything at 12oclock and get some great tones, i play many varieties of metal/hard rock/indie/punk. my tone is deep and warm with a bit of punch for more rockin stuff. never any issues, delivers just what i wanted easy to get great tones

for more laid back music i use this amp with a early 80's g&l sb1 (p bass), for a litte more balls i use may early 90's fender american p/j with emg's, and for all out power i use a modified washburn xb 900 with emg p neck pickup and g&l musicman style bridge (it is loud). each amp sound great through amp, but they retain their individual tone. sounds great i dont use much gain (in any amp ever), when i use distortion i run it through my line 6 guitar pod and carvin amp,

never any problems

i have been playing for 14 years, this is the only amp i have ever been completely happy with, i also use a yamaha NE1 preamp( great for a smooth tone), if you are looking for a new amp and this is in your price range, you should check it out, especially if, like my you used to love ampeg